Aston Villa have turned their attention to Burnley’s Ashley Barnes after failing in their pursuit of Jordan Rhodes.

Boss Steve Bruce admitted this morning that the hunt for the 26-year-old Middlesbrough hitman had ended after a £6million offer was rejected earlier this week.

Boro want to recoup as much of the £12million that they splashed out on Rhodes a year ago as possible and while Villa were prepared to include add-ons in the deal, it was refused by the Premier League outfit.

It’s now understood that Barnes, 27, is on the radar and could be available for around £5million.

Villa will be able to offer the striker, who has three goals in 12 appearances this season, a healthy pay packet in return for his experience in both the Championship and Premier League.

Bruce confirmed that there was another striker on the radar but wouldn’t reveal his identity.